Alamogordo High School golf teams placed second and fourth overall at Dona Ana Classic

Kodee Rhodes tallied the scores of 77 and 93 to finish second individually

LAS CRUCES >> The Alamogordo High School girls and boys golf teams competed at the two-day Dona Ana Classic Monday and Tuesday. Day one competition took place at Red Hawk Golf Course while day two was held at the New Mexico State University Golf Course.

In the boys competition, Mark Denney shot the scores of 77 and 76 to finish third while Edward Schlensig compiled the scores of 77 and 80 to finish fourth individually. The Tiger boys finished second to Hope Christian in a field of 12 schools that included all the schools from District 3-5A.

Christian Garnand shot a 94 and 91 while Cody Harper carded the scores of 88 and 91. Tyler Harnes finished the two-days shooting the scores of 96 and 112.

"As a team, the boys did a great job of competing and not giving up when things got tough. We improved both days and lowered our team score by about 50 shots from two weeks ago," said Alamogordo coach Tommy Standefer via email. "The boys have been working hard on their short games and their mental attitudes and I think it is paying off for them, if we continue to get better, we are going to end the year in good shape."

"Individually, Mark got his second and third legs and is now fully qualified for the state tournament. Edward got his first and just missed his second leg by one when he got a couple of bad breaks at the end of his second round. Both Mark and Edward had a couple of bad holes on Tuesday where they made a big number, but they didn't let it get away and controlled the damage. The other boys improved and made bogeys where we were making doubles and triples two weeks ago. Overall I am very proud of how the boys have stepped it up over the past two weeks."

Advertisement

The girls finished tied for fourth place with Onate High School behind Deming, Las Cruces and Socorro in a field of nine schools.

Kodee Rhodes tallied the scores of 77 and 93 while Megan Nelson carded the scores of 88 and 100. Montana Straub compiled the two-day scores of 96 and 106 and Lauren Guinn tallied the scores of 123 and 126. Megan Cullers shot the scores of 117 and 137.

"On Monday at NMSU the girls got their first team leg of the season while Kodee and Megan both got individual legs," said coach Standefer via email. "Kodee is already qualified for the state tournament and this was Megan's second leg, she needs one more. I was really happy with the girls at NMSU, we competed, we were tough and we were resilient."

"Kodee was in second place and Megan was in 11th and the team was fifth. We were starting to look like the team I think we can and should be. Then on Tuesday we let outside factors affect our thinking and performance and that is unacceptable. We have to be better around the greens and more confident and decisive from the tee boxes and the fairways. Lauren and Megan just need more experience on the golf course and hitting golf balls. The other girls have to do a better job of course and mental management."

Coach Standefer added, "We are at the halfway point of our season and a big key for us is how we handle spring break. This is the latest we have had the break that I can remember, and it hits us at a critical juncture in the season. If we use the break effectively I think both teams will be in good shape going into the end of the season, if we use it poorly and don't practice and play, we will struggle as we finish. This is one of those commitment times, I hope we are up to it."

Alamogordo will be off next week. They will compete at the two-day Leroy Gooch Invitational hosted by Alto Lakes and The Links Golf Courses in Ruidoso April 14 beginning at 9 a.m.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story